Getting Pregnant After Miscarriage

By Tammy Richardson

The thought of getting pregnant after miscarriage can be quite daunting, as many women are afraid of a second miscarriage. A miscarriage, referred to by doctors as a spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before around twenty weeks. As much as 25% of all pregnancies that are known about end in miscarriage according to statistics from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. In real terms this rate is probably higher, as many miscarriages occur in the very early stages of pregnancy before a woman is even aware she is pregnant.

The reasons behind miscarriage are not yet fully understood. In general miscarriages in the first trimester are attributed to the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus (which are randomly occurring).

The healthiness and state of well-being of the mother are also important factors. A woman's medical history can also be a factor, as conditions like diabetes (if untreated) and some autoimmune diseases as well as structural abnormalities in the uterus can all make a miscarriage more likely. A woman's (and prior to conception, a man's too) lifestyle choices can also affect the likelihood of miscarriage - things like drug abuse or smoking can play their part. There are also a large number of miscarriages which are the result of the egg not being implanted in the uterus correctly - thankfully this can be corrected by knowing the most appropriate times of the month for successful conception, but more on that later.

There are a number of signs that may precede a miscarriage including lower back pain and cramps in the abdomen and pelvis as well as fluid or tissue and blood coming from the vagina. Although vaginal bleeding almost always precedes an early miscarriage, it is important to remember that blood spotting is quite normal in early pregnancy as well, so it doesn't always mean a miscarriage is occurring.

Most miscarriages in the early stages do not require medical treatment as the uterus voluntarily empties out like a heavy period. If an ultrasound shows that there is tissue remaining inside the uterus, then medications may be proscribed to make the uterus expel them, or a clinical procedure performed to cleanse the uterus of the left-over tissue. It is important that no tissue remains in the uterus in order to stop any infection forming. It is best if couples do not try getting pregnant after miscarriage for at least a couple of months, six months is best. If there are recurrent miscarriages then more tests can be done to try and determine the causes and to see if the problem can be stopped.

It is important before going out and getting any of these (sometimes painful) tests, that you make sure that the improper implantation of the egg into the uterine lining is not the cause. The problem can be lowered significantly by having intercourse at the right time in the month.

The indication of this time is the presence of an 'eggwhite' like cervical mucus in the woman, which is the sign of her fertile time in the month. For men who's sperm count is normal then intercourse should be undertaken every day that the eggwhite-like cervical mucus comes, up until the woman charts a rise in her basal temperature. If there is a problem with sperm count, then it is important that intercourse is only undertaken every second day of the fertile cervical fluid up until a rise in temperature is noted. By having sex during this fertile period, the chances of conceiving are higher, and it is more likely that the egg will be properly implanted into the uterus' lining, thus lowering the chances of miscarriage.

Pre-conception is a crucial time for getting healthy. It is important to make sure you are eating right, are keeping your weight in a healthy range and are getting enough exercise. It is also important not to smoke, and try to limit time spent around second-hand smoke. Alcohol is a big no-no and caffeine is on the cut list too. Awareness of your external environment and any toxins you may be exposed to are also important - painting the house is out, unless 'green' paints are used, and carpeting should be avoided, as new carpets are often laced with formaldehyde. Importantly for getting pregnant after miscarriage, you have to remember to look at lifestyle factors like stress and emotional worries, and try to have intercourse at the appropriate time of the month. - 31802

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